Not long after Lord died and was resurrected from the tomb, the disciples (11 of them) were a bit uncertain about their immediate future; this seemed to be the case even after the Lord met them in His resurrected state. They heard what the Lord said to them, that is, they were to wait in Jerusalem until an appointed time, but, still, there was much confusion and uncertainty. With Him, they had direction, but with Him not being immediately present, they were not sure what to do. There is no surprise to this.

Finally, the opportunity came to them to interact with the Lord and ask Him about when the Messiah’s kingdom would come. He did not answer their question as they had hoped when He said it was not for them to know the times or seasons concerning the kingdom’s coming. Instead, they were to stay in Jerusalem and wait on the Lord’s time and be less concerned about the perspective from their vantage point.

Before two months were gone from the time of the Lord’s resurrection, the disciples decided it was time to replace Judas, one of the original 12, but one who died a violent death (Acts 1:18). Judas willfully chose to walk away from the Lord and the price he paid for doing so brought no redemption for him. Peter spoke the following words with Judas in mind.

For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the last state is become worse with them than the first. For it were better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered unto them. It has happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog turning to his own vomit again, and the sow that had washed to wallowing in the mire (2 Peter 2:20-22, ASV).

It was now time for the Lord to have a replacement for Judas. The Holy Spirit makes clear the following had to be met before he would be chosen: he had to be a male, one who was with the Lord from the beginning (starting at His baptism), and he had to be a witness of the resurrection. With the Lord’s blessings, Matthias was the chosen one of the Lord.

In this short summary of Acts 1, we learn some important lessons. First, even if the events of the time are rapidly changing and one feels confused and uncertain about what to do next, the Lord always knows. Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord (Psalm 27:14, ESV)! Second, you’re not the only one that might be uncertain about the immediate future; there are others beside you who need encouragement, just as you need it. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Heb. 10:24-25, ESV). Third, when the Lord chose a male, He did not relegate the godly woman to an inferior status. The only time we know anything about inferiority or superiority is when the Lord addresses it. Otherwise, the perspectives of people are not of any value in matters pertaining to God. Godly women buttress and support godly men. It is often the case the women are godlier than men and a significant backbone piece in every congregation of the Lord’s people. All can learn from them, so never dismiss their contribution. RT